About Nina

I grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan—the only place on earth where ’60s counterculture and an oversized obsession with college football somehow converge.

My earliest childhood hobbies were skating across the kitchen floor in my socks and acting out Matisse cutouts at the Detroit Institute of the Arts during outings with my mom, a University of Michigan art history professor. Eventually, my passions evolved into flute and theater. In high school, I found my people in the arts wing, where I formed close friendships by bonding over our shared fear of gym class.

Yes, I was in marching band. And no, I will not think you're incredibly clever and funny when you say, “One time… at band camp.” For the record, my high school band camp wasn't like that.

My band camp was serious and dignified. (Interlochen All-State, 1986. Nina, front row, second from left.)

But I still managed to turn band camp into a mini comedy show—not to mention my tendency to push the limits of the camp uniform. Nina, right.

Also, please don't correct me when I tell you that I am a flutist. Despite what your third-grade teacher may have told you, it is not called flautist. I should know. I have a doctorate in flute. For real. That's an actual thing.

I earned degrees in Flute Performance from the University of Michigan, the Paris Conservatory, and the University of Cincinnati. I taught at the college level, played in professional orchestras, and performed around the world. But I'm probably best known as The Internet Flutist, thanks to being an early adopter of YouTube and going viral. Many of my flute teaching videos incorporate humor because I think it's both fun and an effective way to learn. I was even sponsored by a major flute manufacturer and had my picture in music magazines!

It wasn't until I was nearly 50, however, that I stepped into an open mic and tried my hand at a completely different art form: stand-up comedy.

Since then, my empty-nester hobby has gotten a little out of hand. I produced my own monthly clean comedy show and have performed for JCCs, sisterhoods, Jewish retreats, Chabads—and yes, in comedy clubs and bars. My comedy is clean but absurd. You're likely to meet some of my colorful characters, and you may even find yourself participating in a sing-along.

Photo Above: Even as a viral YouTube celebrity, everyone agreed that I was not cool.

These days, my husband and I live in Cincinnati, where we raised two daughters and a Labradoodle. I spend my time juggling multiple identities: mom, musician, comedian, and a dignified and respectable nonprofit executive. That's a roundabout way of saying I didn't quit my day job.

And no, my other hobby is not mah jong.

It's Krav Maga.

Turns out, I'm NOT afraid of gym class.

I may seem like a perfectly normal middle aged suburban mom, but don't be fooled.

Nothing makes me happier than using wigs, hats and other quick costume changes in my stand up routines.